AIA Nevada Service Awards Jury 401 South Fourth Street, Suite … · 2018. 11. 5. · October 15, 2018 AIA Nevada Service Awards Jury. 401 South Fourth Street, Suite 175 Las Vegas,

October 15, 2018

AIA Nevada Service Awards Jury401 South Fourth Street, Suite 175Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

RE: AIA Nevada Silver Medal Award Nomination for R. Brandon Sprague, AIA

Dear Distinguished Members of the Jury,

We, as an entire firm, nominate R. Brandon Sprague, AIA for the 2018 AIA Nevada Service Awards Silver Medal. There are countless reasons as to why Brandon is deserving of this honor; some tangible, some intangible. Brandon, a native Nevadan, is dedicated to the built environment, service to the profession of architecture, and the community that surrounds him.

As demonstrated by the qualities that led to his firm being awarded the 2017 AIA Nevada Firm of the Year Award, Brandon and his ideals have proven that an architecture firm is measured by more than its tangible success and quality of work. He and his firm have also succeeded by simply doing good and giving back to the community, all while crafting a positive work-life balance that is not mutually exclusive from creating great design.

Brandon brings sharply-focused design attention to all projects - from the smallest tenant improvement to the largest high-rise. He has an admirable respect for clients’ needs and never compromises his dedication and service to the profession of architecture. When he started our firm in 2003, Brandon refused to put his name on the door as a statement to his success. Rather, his idea of a successful firm and a contributing member of the community was to focus on “appropriate” design; something that is fitting, something that is suitable for the client and community. This is shown through his work and represented in his firm’s name: Aptus, the Latin word for “suitable, fitting in”.

It is through that ideal that Brandon consistently demonstrates the civic and professional responsibility of an architect by continually striving to make the built environment better for everyone. He has built a sustainable and stable family at Aptus that shares his commitment to delivering quality design and service, and that will lead the firm for the next generation.

For making us all laugh, at good jokes or bad; for insisting that we not take everything so seriously; for being a supportive mentor, considerate colleague and close friend; it is for these reasons and so many more that we are proud to nominate our leader and dear friend, R. Brandon Sprague for the 2018 AIA Nevada Silver Medal Award.

Respectfully,The Aptus Family

Kristen G. Goodell, AIA Behrnt J. Aaberg, AIA Sophie Klippstein, IIDA, NCIDQ

Frances Grob Javier Berrera Edrick Ferreras

Daniel Heun Cindy Ord Gia Lannutti

R. BRANDON SPRAGUE, AIA A year before opening his own practice, Brandon was riveted by this piece of advice given during a lecture by Glenn Murcutt, the renowned Australian architect:

It freed him to imagine a firm that balanced culture, design and community. One that created thoughtful places and provided remarkable service while maintaining a happy and professional work environment. Imagining what he hoped to accomplish with his firm helped him see the influence of his mentors. Few things honed Brandon’s intentions as much as that wisdom. It clarified what really mattered. It gave him a road map: - Make everything we touch better -Createafirmthatvaluespeople. -Givebacktoyourcommunity.

Brandon was fortunate to find mentors at meaningful times in his life. While working at his grandfather Jack’s art store in high school, Brandon absorbed how his grandfather spoke with customers. Everyone was treated the same whether they spent a nickel or a hundred dollars - a lesson Brandon will never forget.Allprojectsareexecutedwithequalvalue.

While working at JMA just out of high school, Brandon met Jess Holmes, FAIA. Later, while working together again at Holmes Sabatini, Jess taught Brandon to “wear the white hat”, which meant to strive to always do the right thing, go the extra mile, andalwaystreatyourclientswithtrustandrespect.

Brandon took these lessons, with his personal goals as an architect, and shaped them into a clear sense of purpose for his own firm - using this three-part approach as the foundation for Aptus... an approach the AIA has recognized for the 2017FirmoftheYearaward.

Brandon is a respected role model in his profession in large because of his unwavering commitment to these values and the many, many ways they influence and elevate the practice of architecture. By setting design, culture, and community as his priority, Brandon hopes to leave a lasting positive impact on the local built environment, on his staff, and on the future of the profession of architecture.

QUALITY OF DESIGNAs a Las Vegas native, Brandon founded Aptus in 2003. His approach to design quality is articulated clearly in his firm’s name. He discovered the word, “aptus” (Latin for “appropriate” or “fitting in”), while preparing a speech for the WMR Conference, Young Architects. For Brandon, the practice of design is about finding a solution that is the most fitting, the most appropriate, the most apt. It resonates with his perspective on practicing architecture in the harsh Mojave. His approach is founded on the belief that the best solutions come from considering all options, from being open to all influences.

“We let the end shape the beginning,” he says. By considering deeply the desires and needs of the end user, their daily habits, the feel of a material or experience as one walks through space, his design team ends up with a natural solution not based on style, but on rich, comfortable, places for people to live, learn, work, and play.

In practice, this approach has the effect that many of his buildings do not look like one another; nor are they concentrated in one specific project type. Yet linking them is a set of core beliefs that emphasize deep knowledge of the site’s ecology, the context of a building, and a solid sense of what people seek to experience in the spaces he designs.

“Start your business the way you want to finish it.”

-Glenn Murcutt, 2002

“Balancequalityofdesignwithapositiveculture centeredonpeople,andbringthosetogether inpracticetoimprovethecommunity.”

-- 2017 AIA Firm Award Jury

aptus (apt\us);adj., suitable, appropriate, fitting in...

R. Brandon Sprague, AIA | 2

BIOGRAPHY | ACHIEVEMENTS | MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL | ARCHITECTURAL WORK

FIRM CULTURE THAT PRIORITIZES PEOPLEPeoplematter.Allideasareconsidered.Everyonecontributes.To instill these values in his firm, Brandon made a conscious decision to separate his own name from the branding of the firm. This was the clearest possible way to reinforce that finding an apt design solution requires a group of people who share the same passion and dedication to the profession, not only the design vision of a single person.

Brandon prioritizes empowering staff to take responsibility for projects and to lead them to success. He insists on bringing all staff voices to the table, whether during staffing meetings or project meetings. He is firm believer in offering his staff opportunities to learn, develop and lead; while at the same time, providing them guidance in the form of mentorship similar to that which he had as they are the future leaders of the firm and profession.

His belief that ‘everyone is important’ extends to clients. Whether working on a small interiors project or larger public building, Brandon and his firm consistently strive to provide an equal level of service. Even pro-bono projects are treated as projects for which they are hired, a fact underscored by the two pro-bono projects that have won AIA awards under his supervision.

This people-centered culture has brought success. Brandon has grown the firm into a successful group of professionals across multiple offices, yet still guides the firm to work as one unit, sharing work, sharing ideas and sharing culture across the entire company.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAn active member of the AIA since he started in architecture school, Brandon held offices in AIAS through his student years and continued holding a variety of offices in AIA LV, ultimately becoming President of AIA Las Vegas in 2002 and was a member of the board from 1999 - 2004. As president, he focused on sustainability in the Mojave and developed a reputation for being an early leader in environmentally appropriate design in the Valley.

He also led the AIA to focus on education about the history of the Valley and bringing in more young students/interns and allied members to AIA / Affiliate membership. He created an intern design competition where the winner travels and then presents to the membership.

He has continued as an active member since then, juggling his membership with starting both a family and a firm simultaneously. His commitment to teaching, mentoring, and community involvement span advising high school and university students, mentoring young professionals, fundraising, and joining citizen advisory committees. By consistently modeling the best of what the profession can be, he has inspired those in a new generation to enter the profession.

Brandon Kristen Behrnt Frances Sophie

Edrick Cindy Javier Gia Dan



DESIGN AWARDS

Architecture inspired Brandon at an early age. He was fortunate enough to find a natural fit in High School when he won his first design award, the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Competition. Consistently, he has been recognized by his peers for balancing the skills he has honed over the years with inspiration. His most notable awards are listed on these pages.

The most important achievement is the continued success of the firm he built from the ground up. To this day, it upholds his vision and culture he intended from the start.

2012Off-site Offices for the CosmopolitanAwardofCitation,AIA Nevada

Tonopah Convention CenterUSDARuralDevelopmentRecognition

2011Off-site Offices for the CosmopolitanImpactAward, NAIOP

ACI PediatricsHonorAward, AIA Las Vegas

2010UNLV Science, Engineering & Technology BuildingAwardofCitation, AIA Nevada

Birago Housing Project in Ghana, AfricaAwardofMeritUnbuilt, AIA Las Vegas

2009Huntridge RevitalizationHonorAwardUnbuilt,AIA Las Vegas

Desert Sage SchoolAwardofCitationUnbuilt, AIA Las Vegas

Solterra LoftsHonorAwardUnbuilt, AIA Las Vegas

Green Valley High School Music BuildingAwardofMerit, AIA Nevada

Aptus WebsiteBestinShowInteractive, AIGA Las VegasAmericanGraphicDesignAward, Graphic Design USA

2003Paseo Verde LibraryAwardofHonor,AIA Nevada

2002UNLV Beam Music CenterAwardofMerit,AIA Nevada

1999Clark County Wetlands Park, Visitor & Education CenterAwardofCitation,AIA Unbuilt Western Mountain Region’

1998Green Valley Corporate CenterSpotlightAward, NAIOP

Hospitality NetworkSpotlightAward,NAIOP

Stokes Office BuildingAwardofCitation. AIA Nevada

UNLV Student Services FountainStudentChoiceAward,AIAS

1997UNLV Beam Music CenterAwardofMerit,AIA Unbuilt Las Vegas

1995Clark County Wetlands Park, Visitor & Education CenterAwardofMeritUnbuilt,National Society of Architects

Student Services Building AwardofMerit,Nevada Society of Architects

1984Southern Nevada Homebuilders Competition, First Place Chaparral High School

C



COMMUNITY SERVICE

2015City of Las VegasDowntown Centennial Plan Zoning Update, Stakeholder Committee

Citizen Advisory Committee to the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency

Member of the Advisory Board for the UNLV Downtown Design Center

2011AIA Slide Slam Presenter

2009Greening Downtown Las Vegas Charrette

2003-2008Architect Advisor/MentorVoTech High School

2002Leadership Henderson, Class of 2002

2001“Two on Two” Panel DiscussionLas Vegas, Nevada

2000Member: Friends of the Wetlands

1999Founding MemberFriends of the Henderson District Public Libraries

1998-2003Architect AdvisorChaparral High SchoolAIA High School Design Competition

1998-1999Fourth Year Studio Instructor University of Nevada, Las Vegas

2017AIA Nevada Firm of the Year Award

2012USDA Rural Development Recognition

2004Young Architect Citation AwardAIA Nevada

Selected to the Who’s Who in Real Estate, Construction & Development from 2004-2007

In Business Las Vegas Rising Star - Honoring Outstanding Achievers Under Forty

1999Baker Traveling Fellowhsip (Six Weeks of Study in Spain & Italy)University of Illiniois at Urbana-Champaign

1996“Burnham Prize,” FinalistThe Arts Club of Chicago Competition

1992Best of the Best Graduate Thesis University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

1990Edward C. Earl PrizeGraduate StudioUniversity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

HONORS EXHIBITS

2000Las Vegas Arts Park/Plaza DesignCity of Las Vegas Arts Commission

“West Las Vegas Charette”Las Vegas Arts Commission

1996“Burnham Prize,” FinalistThe Arts Club of Chicago

1995“The Process of Architecture”Temporary Contemporary GalleryLas Vegas, Nevada

“Housing Las Vegas, Exploring The Possibilities”Rainbow Library, AIA / Las Vegas

1994“Objects; Artifacts from Architectural Design Explorations”Reed Whipple Cultural CenterLas Vegas, Nevada

“In this era of collaboration and integration across disciplines, Aptus is a model of how to structure an office of inclusion and personal fulfillment...Given the emphasis on collaborative design, it is equally admirable that they have maintained a high design standard as exemplified by their many

awards.”

--2017 AIA Firm Award Jury



Brandon has been dedicated to the field of Architecture from a young age, and has accomplished his very specific vision for his life calling that he formalized in 1984:

AIA SERVICE

2002President, AIA Las Vegas

1999-2004Member, Board of DirectorsAIA Nevada | AIA Las Vegas

2000Treasurer, AIA Las Vegas

Founder, Intern Design CompetitionAIA Las Vegas

1999AIA Design Committee

1996-presentAIA Las Vegas

1990Associate Member AIANational AIA Honor Awards Jury

1989AIAS PresidentUniversity of New Mexico

1988AIAS Treasurer University of New Mexico

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2003-presentPrincipalAPTUSLas Vegas, Nevada

2000-03PartnerDekker Perich SabatiniLas Vegas, Nevada

1997-90Holmes Sabatini Associates ArchitectsLas Vegas, Nevada

1996-97Skidmore Owings & MerrillChicago, Illinois

1996Florian ArchitectsChicago, Illinois

1995-96Yas/Fischel PartnershipEvanston, Illinois

1986-90, 1992-95Holmes Sabatini Associates ArchitectsLas Vegas, NevadaAlbuquerque, New Mexico

1986JMA Architects and EngineersLas Vegas, Nevada

1984-86ArchitronicsLas Vegas, Nevada

REGISTERED ARCHITECT

Nevada #3710 - Licensed in 1996Illinois #001-019630 California #C-31284Texas #20553Arizona #44896Hawaii #AR 12921 New Mexico #004503Washington #8776Utah #7285770-0301Wisconsin #11947-5North Dakota #2491Indiana #AR 11200136NCARB Certified

EDUCATION

1992Masters of Architecture, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

1989Bachelor of Fine ArtsUniversity of New Mexico

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Nevada License #0074972California License #959652



CULTURE AND COMMUNITY MATTERBrandon’s passion for not only great architecture, but for the people that surround him shows every day he comes to the office, and even those he doesn’t. He’s built the sort of culture that makes everyone at Aptus want to come to work, want to chip in however they can, and want to be friends with everyone even outside of work hours. Brandon has truly molded the staff into a family that helps each other and those in the community.

Kids thank Brandon for volunteering at school!

Teaching kids about architecture

Aptus gives donations and volunteers for those less fortunate Hosted annual retreat in New Orleans to help relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina

Congratulatory celebration to Kristen Goodell for being elevated to principal of the firm!

Our families vacation together

We run competitively together... ...and also just for fun! Brandon recieved “Bad Axe Throwing” lessons as a thank you from the staff!



Brandon has been featured in many publications and has consistently been a spokesperson on Las Vegas architecture for the press for decades.



This 22,000 sf building is critical to ensure the continuing success of the Green Valley High School music department - and therefore, wasdesignedtoprovideidealacousticqualities,collaborativespaces,andadeeperconnectiontotheirsurroundingelements.

GREEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BUILDINGhenderson, nevada

MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN SPRING “HEART”

VALLEY PATH

FOREST / OASIS




When you hear the words “Green Valley”, you can’t help but imagine a luscious escape surrounded by a harsh, sometimes unforgiving environment. This idea of the calming oasis is the inspiration for the design of the Green Valley Music Building. Two large, faceted desert buildings envelop a soothing communal space within, providing an “oasis in the desert”. Students leave the sweltering desert climate behind as they enter the campus through this new tranquil gateway.

Designing the Music Building required thoughtful consideration and creative planning. The Green Valley Music Building is an architectural composition of three faceted formations gathered as an ensemble to form the new Music Campus. The unique shape of each form is a reflection of natural desert valley materials and is designed to craft the ideal acoustic quality specific to each performance space.

Within the captured space between the three forms, young musicians unite in a collaboration of ideas, theory and music. Green Valley High School students also experience ascending views through the skylight ceiling, connecting them to the larger desert-like forms and the overheadcanopy designed to optimize natural light based on the orientation of the sun.

0' 4' 8' 16'

n o r t h

Green Valley High School Music BuildingConceptual Design

460 N. Arroyo Grande BlvdHenderson, Nevada 89014

c o p y r i g h t 2 0 17 © b y a p t u s

SD072.21.17

116.046 Green Valley High School Music BuildingCCSD MPID# 13565

CANOPY

SEE LANDSCAPE PLAN

AE-1

AE-1

4'-6

"

10'-4"

5'-0

"

TRANSLUCENTSHADE PANELS, TYP.

TILT UPTILT UP

TILT

DN

TILT

DN

TILT UPTILT UP

TILT DN TILT DN

PLAN

ELEVATION

WALL SYSTEM (W)

W-1A WALL TYPE 1A: 5/8" GWB (PAINTED) OVER 35/8" MTL STUDS, 1" AIR SPACE, 8" CMU W/ WEATHERBARRIER, 2" Z-CLIPS WITH 2" RIGID INSULATION ANDSTAINLESS STEEL MTL VENEER

W-1B WALL TYPE 1B: 5/8" GWB (PAINTED) OVER 35/8" MTL STUDS, 1" AIR SPACE, 8" CMU, 7/8" HATCHANNEL W/ STAINLESS STEEL MTL VENEER

W-2 WALL TYPE 2: 8" CMU WITH WEATHERBARRIER, EXTERIOR INSULATION, 1" AIR SPACE ANDPRECAST (TILT-UP) CONCRETE PANEL W/ RED(SANDSTONE) INTEGRATED MIX AND LIGHT ACIDWASH FINISH

W-3 WALL TYPE 3: PRECAST (TILT-UP) CONCRETEPANEL W/ BROWN (SANDSTONE) INTEGRATED MIXAND LIGHT ACID WASH FINISH. INSULATIONINSTALLED ON INSIDE FACE OF PANEL.

W-4 WALL TYPE 4: 5/8" GWB (PAINTED) ON 3 5/8"MTL STUD @ 24" O.C. W/ BATT INSULATION, 1" AIRSPACE, 8" FULLY GROUTED CMU. OTHER SIDE 5/8"GWB (PAINTED) ON 3 5/8" MTL STUD AT 24" O.C. W/BATT INSULATION, 1" AIR SPACE. ACOUSTICALPERFORMANCE CRITERIA STC 65

W-5 WALL TYPE 5: 5/8" GWB ON 6" 20 GA MTLSTUD, 12" FULLY GROUTED CMU WITH WEATHERBARRIER, EXTERIOR INSULATION AND PRECAST (TILT-UP) CONCRETE PANEL W/ RED (SANDSTONE)INTEGRATED MIX AND LIGHT ACID WASH FINISH

W-6 WALL TYPE 6: 5/8" GWB ON 6" 20 GA MTLSTUD, 12" FULLY GROUTED CMU (INTERIOR).ACOUSTICAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA STC 65

W-7 WALL TYPE 7: ARCHITECTURAL WOODVENEER ON 8" FULLY GROUTED CMU, 3 5/8" 20 GAMTL STUD @ 24" O.C. W/GWB. ACOUSTICALPERFORMANCE CRITERIA STC 55

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS (AE)

AE-1 STEEL PIPE SPACE FRAME CANOPY WITHSUNSHADE PANELS ON CONCRETE SUPPORTCOLUMNS 8", 12", AND 20" IN DIA.

AE-2 PERFORATED STAINLESS STEEL PANEL ORWOVEN STAINLESS STEEL METAL FABRIC MESH WITHDIMENSIONAL LETTER CUT OUT

AE-3 ARCHITECTURAL DIMENSIONAL LETTERS

AE-4 96" HIGH DECORATIVE SECURTITY FENCINGAND SECURE GATE

GLAZING SYSTEMS (GL)

GL-1 ALUMINUM STOREFRONT, COLOR CHOSENFROM MANUFACTURE'S STANDARD COLORS, WITH 1"INSULATED TINTED GLAZING

GL-2 SKYLIGHT OR SLOPED ALUMINUM GLAZINGSYSTEM. COLOR CHOSEN FROM MANUFACTURE'SSTANDARD COLORS, WITH 1" INSULATED TINTEDGLAZING SYSTEM

GL-3 PROGRAMABLE EXTERIOR VIDEO DISPLAYSYSTEM

ROOF SYSTEMS (R)

R-1 SINGLE PLY TPO ROOF SYSTEM OVER ROOFSHEATHING AND TAPERED INSULATION

R-2 STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF SYSTEM.GALVALUME FINISH

A. DOORS WITHIN SOUND ISOLATING PARTITIONS SHALL BEACOUSTICALLY TREATED WITH SEALS, FULLY MORTISED AUTOMATICDOOR BOTTOM, AND REMOVABLE CENTER POST WITH A FULL SETOF GASKET AT DOUBLE DOORS.

B. PARTITIONS SHALL BE FULL HEIGHT AND COMPLETELYEXTENDED TO STRUCTURE.

C. SEAMS BETWEEN LAYERS OF GWB IN MULTI-LAYERPARTITIONS SHALL BE STAGGERED AND THE ENTIRE OUTERMOSTLAYER OF GWB SHALL BE SEALED AIRTIGHT WITH RESILIENT SEALANT.

D. ELECTRICAL ROUGH-IN BOXES IN SOUNDS ISOLATINGPARTITIONS SHALL BE STAGGERED 24" O.C.

E. INTERIOR FINISHED SHALL BE MEDIUM GRADE AND MATCHEXISTING CCSD DESIGN STANDARD

F. PROVIDE 1 HOUR RATED ENCLOSURES FOR RATED ROOMSINDICATED ON PLAN. ALL PENETRATIONS IN RATED WALL ARE TO BEFIRE CAULKED.

GENERAL NOTES

OVERALL SITE VIEW

UNDER CANOPY PERSPECTIVE

SCALE: 1/2" = 1'-0"

CANOPY DRAWINGS

Careful consideration was given to the orientation and details of the canopy to minimize heat gain and allow for maximum use of the outdoor waiting spaces for pickup.

0' 4' 8' 16'

n o r t h




SD072.21.17


CANOPY

SEE LANDSCAPE PLAN

AE-1

AE-1

4'-6

"

10'-4"

5'-0

"

TRANSLUCENTSHADE PANELS, TYP.

TILT UPTILT UP

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TILT

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TILT UPTILT UP

TILT DN TILT DN

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ELEVATION

WALL SYSTEM (W)


















ROOF SYSTEMS (R)









GENERAL NOTES

OVERALL SITE VIEW

UNDER CANOPY PERSPECTIVE

SCALE: 1/2" = 1'-0"

CANOPY DRAWINGS

canopy/forestdetails




The building is designed as a gathering of three elements into one cohesive and creative environment for students to practice, mingle, and create music. Two elements are acoustically separate enclosures housing the band and orchestra rooms. The third is serpentine-like collection of large and medium practice rooms which weaves under the canopy and through the columns evoking the spirit of an oasis in the desert valley.

With a new exterior gathering space for student and bus drop off, the new 22,000 square foot facility effectively ties together the entire campus, completing the master plan as the new face of Green Valley High School.

0' 4' 8' 16'

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SD013.06.17


SITE PLAN RENDERING

0' 4' 8' 16'n o r t h




SD062.21.17


BUILDING SECTIONS

18'-4"

20'-0"

30'-0"

VARIES

VARIES

12'-0"

14'-0"

18'-4"

27'-8"

37'-0"

GL-1

R-2

AE-2

W-3

W-5

W-2

W-6

GL-2

AE-2

W-1B

W-1A

AE-1

BAND ROOM

PERCUSSION ROOMVEST. CORRIDOR

T.O. PARAPET

T.O. PARAPET

T.O. WALL

T.O. WALL

T.O. PARAPET

CEILING

T.O. PARAPET

CEILING

T.O. CANOPY

B.O. SOFFIT

DUCT

DUCT

20'-0"

28'-0"

41'-4"

12'-0"

18'-4"

27'-8"

43'-0"

AE-1

GL-2

GL-1

W-3

W-1AW-1B

W-7

W-6 W-6

R-2

ORCHESTRA ROOM

JAZZ COMBO ROOM VEST.CORRIDOR

T.O. PARAPET

T.O. PARAPET

CEILING

T.O. WALL

CEILING

T.O. CANOPY

T.O. SIGNAGESCREEN

EXISTINGGYMNASIUM

BUILDING

DUCT

DUCT

WALL SYSTEM (W)


















ROOF SYSTEMS (R)









GENERAL NOTES

SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0"

BUILDING SECTION

SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0"

BUILDING SECTION



Of sound body and mind… through treatment and care, exploration and discovery. How do you help with a sick child’s anxiety associated with doctor’s visit? How do you create a space that provides layers of interaction and exploration, marked by events along the journey from waiting to exam room? For starters, you remember what it was like to be a kid.

Focusedonreducingtheanxietyassociatedwithavisittothedoctor,this2,800sftenantimprovementisallaboutdiscovery,natureandinteractionforchildrenofallages.

2011 Honor Award, Built

ACI PEDIATRICS MEDICAL OFFICESl as vegas , nevada




ACIPediatricsencouragesnotonlyhealthandwellbeing,butencouragesthechildtointeractmorewiththeirenvironmentandexploretheworldatlarge.Justastherelationshipthechildhaswithhisdoctorgrowsandmatures,thespaceallowsthechildtomakenewdiscoveriesandobservationsuponeachvisit.Eachvisittotheofficeismarkedbyvariousevents,orstops,alongthewayfromthewaitingroomtotheexamroom.

STOPS ALONG THE WAY...

Moving from the waiting room to their next destination, the children have a whole new set of discoveries along the way. They first set foot onto a trail of ‘puddles’ staggered across the linoleum floor, allowing them to hop to their next destination. The reclaimed wood wall and ceiling treatment at the scale alcove gives a feel of nestling into an old barn, while exposing fun textures and materials to look at while being weighed.

Turning down the hall toward the exam room, children are greeted by expressive faces of babies from around the world depicted in oversized wall photos. Upon closer look, children can find an animal x-ray box, hiding animals, or foot prints set in a sand textured wall base to interact with along the way.

Each exam room is provided with a unique identity, designated by animals native to our desert region at each entrance. Animal tracks and photos of each species mark the entrance, providing visual and tactile way finding elements with which the children can associate.




DISCOVERY & EXPLORATION

The waiting room encourages interaction and exploration points throughout the space. Children can discover hidden treasures hidden among native stones in the gabion wall or search for dinosaur bones encased in the pre-cast concrete reception desk. They can explore the seven continents through small dioramas enclosed within the wall or hide from giant bugs invading from the ceiling. Younger ones can develop eye-hand coordination at the integrated play wall, or simply try on funny faces and hats imposed on the glass dividing the well- and sick-waiting rooms.



“This is a great opportunity to place a new library in the center of an existing community. The library should therefore, be an extension of thatcommunity...”

-- R. Brandon Sprague, AIA

2003 Honor Award, Built

Architect of Record:Dekker/Perich/Holmes/SabatiniResponsibility:R. Brandon Sprague, AIAPrincipal-in-Charge, Design

PASEO VERDE LIBRARYhenderson, nevada

ItisimportanttounderstandthehistoryandthefutureofthecityofHenderson...Whatisitnow...Whatwillitbe?



MORE THAN A LIBRARY...

This facility serves as a much-needed branch library in addition to housing the administration and support functions for the Henderson District Public Libraries (HDPL). A 100,000 volume adult and a 50,000 volume children’s collections are housed within the 40,000 gross square foot library. Sitting on a four-acre parcel within the new thirty-acre Henderson Promenade and Events Plaza, the library is an integral member of this new cultural hub, along with a new 10,000-seat amphitheater and a 70,000 square foot Multigenerational Center.

CATERING TO COMMUNITY

An integral part of the interior is the “art wall” that surrounds the Children’s Library. The result of an open design competition, the serpentine glass block wall has a “Mondrian” pattern of colored blocks, many filled with mementos. Each of the 32 schools in Henderson were provided with a hollow glass block to fill with what they felt appropriate. To utilize the existing berm to the east and make it an integral part of the site we have created a secure courtyard, allowing the Henderson District Public Libraries to use it as a programmable space and integrating an interpretive learning area to educate the public on the adjacent McCullough Range.





SIMPLICITY IN CIRCULATION

The library plan arrangement is centered around the Reference Desk. Even though the Circulation Desk must be adjacent to the entry/exit for security reasons, the HDPL wanted patrons to be guided into the main body of the library, directing them past the Reference Desk.

The Adult Collections are housed within a large open space giving the HDPL maximum flexibility in growth and stack utilization. A large reading room is located on the north end of the building, providing the patrons a separate, quiet area. The entire north wall of the reading room is glazed with practically uninterrupted views of the entire Las Vegas Valley.



October 1, 2018

Ms. Randy Lavigne, Hon. AIA

AIA Las Vegas/ Nevada

401 South 4th Street, Suite 175

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

AIA Nevada Silver Medal Recommendation - R. Brandon Sprague, AIA

Dear Randy,

Some architects design projects with the Design Award and the recognition in mind. Brandon

Sprague designs with the client and their needs first, not the award. This and his unabashed

passion for architecture and his community defines Brandon.

I am honored and excited to recommend Brandon for the 2018 AIA Nevada Silver Medal. I have

known him for over 20 years and worked along-side him for a number of those years.

Through all the years I have known Brandon, he has never wavered from his passion for

architecture and this profession. There is a drive in this man to always give his best plus 20% or

more. I cannot think of another person that is a better advocate for “Excellence in

Architecture.”

Brandon truly cares for creating architecture that is appropriate to its purpose, space and

location. Born and raised in Las Vegas, he takes the charge to create places here that are

appropriate for Las Vegas and Nevada but also for which he can be proud.

Brandon is an excellent mentor and teacher to interns and students. Brandon takes his passion

for excellence in architecture and works to instill it in everyone with whom he works. He wants

others to appreciate architecture and the process of creating good architecture as much as he

does. He challenges others to dig deep to fully understand why each design decision is made.

And to his credit, numerous interns and young architects have stayed with Brandon for years and

have flourished in the industry.

This passion carried through into his service to AIA and the Chapter over the years, as demonstrated when he was AIA Las Vegas President in 2002. Again, he gave it 120% for the same reason, working to improve the profession and the quality of the AIA.

Brandon thrives on challenge, invests in people and looks beyond personal success to build a culture of improvement and excellence. Through his work and practice Brandon has demonstrated the ethics, priorities, and design that exemplifies the professional practice of architecture. And I am proud to call him my friend.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christopher W. Larsen, AIA Principal

October 15, 2018

Randy Lavigne, Hon. AIA AIA Las Vegas Nevada 401 South 4th Street Suite 175 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

Dear Randy:

This letter is in support of Brandon Sprague, APTUS President, for the 2018 AIA Silver Medal Award.

I have known Brandon Sprague (no relation) for over 10 years. APTUS, under his mindful direction, provided their expertise in creating a tenant improvement and project managing the TI at our business in 2009. Canyon Creative is an advertising agency and design studio, so we were looking for an architect who could really wow us creatively. Brandon and the APTUS team interviewed us, dug deep into what we liked and wanted, and then presented an array of exceptional, budget-conscious plans for the TI. We were collaborators and true partners in every sense of the word. Our team was blown away by ideas like the huge, reclaimed wood entry wall, the custom sliding “dungeon door,” the rolling bookcase/dividers, and even the small, thoughtful details like circular holes cut into cabinets for handles and the built-in flower vase at the reception desk.

After we agreed on an architectural design direction, he and the APTUS team coordinated the entire process from start to finish. The Aptus team was caring and proactive, always striving to find that natural solution that best fit our needs. We were surprised by how painless it was – especially after hearing nightmarish stories from people who had worked with other architects and contractors. Brandon and his staff communicated with us the entire time and made many, many site visits to make sure everything was being done correctly and to our satisfaction. When an issue came up, which was rare, it was clearly explained and then a solution was found and handled expeditiously. As first-timers with a TI, the experience was — thankfully – fun, interesting and professional.

Most importantly, this new space was a huge step up from the original Canyon office. We believe our new space made (and makes) people, especially business associates, look at us with renewed respect, and that much of the success can be directly attributed to the architectural design of our office.

To this day, our office is a showcase for who we are and what we do. Our whole team loves all the clever, functional design elements – especially the incredibly comfortable, ergonomic chairs Brandon helped us find. Our clients and other visitors always comment on how cool, creative and inviting our office is. In fact, our space is so cool that we rarely have to go to see our clients because they enjoy spending time at our place so much. People often take photos of architectural features, hoping to incorporate the ideas into their own spaces. Many others comment on how they would like to work in a place like Canyon.

It’s a pleasure to walk through that door every day and come to work. Even after the workday, we use our space constantly – for weekly gatherings of artist and craftspeople friends who join us to be creative; for board meetings of the many non-profit organizations we actively support; for parties and special events we celebrate; and for just hanging out and having fun. Personally, as an oil painter and oenophile, I enjoy having an arty space to showcase my paintings and a wine fridge to store some vino.

Over the years I have recommended Brandon and APTUS to our clients and others. Each and every time Brandon has delivered a premium experience. I am honored to say that Brandon and I have also become close friends over the years; built upon the respect for him that grew out of our tenant improvement experience.

Brandon, in my opinion, is well deserving of this award. I can think of few architects who are as passionate about architecture, space and user experience as Brandon. As always, I wish him the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Dale Sprague Canyon Creative President

Documents

AIA Nevada Service Awards Jury 401 South Fourth Street, Suite … · 2018. 11. 5. · October 15, 2018 AIA Nevada Service Awards Jury. 401 South Fourth Street, Suite 175 Las Vegas,